Elevated zinc concentrations did not induce thiols in spinach ( <i>Spinacia oleracea</i> ) and parsley ( <i>Petroselinum crispum</i> )

Background Plants evolved various mechanisms to cope with metal stress. Cadmium (Cd) exposure specifically induces the synthesis of thiol-rich substances such as phytochelatins. Due chemical similarity Cd and zinc (Zn), similar detoxification for both metals are under discussion. Aim We conducted a nutrient solution experiment investigate thiol accumulation parsley (Petroselinum crispum) spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivars at different toxicity levels in vivo. Methods Three treatments were applied: 1 µM Zn (control), 10 Zn, + Cd. After days, cultivars, which differ their tissue tolerance, was measured. Results Spinach differed uptake, translocation, resistance. In spinach, application induced more severe symptoms biomass reduction than Zn. pronounced due higher translocation cultivars. Despite comparable concentrations, did not show any symptoms. lower only slight browning roots found after treatment. Whereas plant species, excess not. Conclusion As elevated concentrations tissues induce synthesis, contribution phytochelatins homeostasis excluded.